Iceland Express self-drive tour

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Keflavik – Hveragerði

  The village of flowers – Geothermal greenhouses Your vehicle will be ready for you upon your arrival at the airport to start your stay in Iceland. From Keflavik International Airport, we recommend driving along the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula towards your first night in the charming village of Hveragerði. The village is one of the few places in the world located directly above a geothermal area. Due to the many greenhouses heated by hot water from nearby springs, it is often called the village of flowers.

• day 2

  Thingvellir – Gullfoss – Geysir – The South Coast

  National park, UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological wonders and historical significance – geysers – puffin colony – black sand beaches of the South Coast. Today, you will visit Thingvellir National Park, a place of great geological and historical interest. You will also visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and hot springs such as Geysir. Continue your journey along the coast, where you will have the opportunity to see the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, as well as the black sand beaches near the village of Vik and the Myrdalsjokull glacier. Optional: visit to the Skogar Folk Museum, visit to the Eyjafjallajokull information center.

• day 3

  Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn

  Lava fields – Largest national park in Europe – Glacial lagoon and its icebergs – Largest glacier in Europe. (about 270 km) Cross the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and visit Skaftafell National Park, an oasis of greenery at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier, surrounded by black sand deserts. Continue towards the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, then arrive at the fishing village of Höfn, in the Hornafjörður region. Optional: boat trip on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon or on the Skalafellsjökull glacier with crampons.

• day 4

  Höfn – Djúpivogur – Reyðafjörður – Egilsstaðir

  Enclosed fjords – Steep mountains – Picturesque coastline – Mineral collection. (about 300 Km) Continue your journey along the East fjords, with their imposing mountains and charming fishing villages. Take the opportunity to go on a boat trip to Papey Island, where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. You can also visit Petra's famous mineral collection, which is located in the Stödvarfjordur region. Optional: visit to Petra's mineral collection.

• day 5

  Egilsstaðir – Dettifoss – Húsavík – Mývatn

  Lunar high plateau – Most powerful waterfall in Europe – Glacial canyon – Whale watching. (about 310 Km) Cross the interior plateau of Mödrudalsöraefi, known for its beauty, heading towards Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Visit Ásbyrgi, a magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon. Continue your journey towards the Tjörnes peninsula and the fishing village of Húsavík. Optional: whale watching from Húsavík.

• day 6

  Mývatn – Akureyri/Skagafjörður

  Volcanic formations – Geothermal and volcanic phenomena – Varied winged fauna – "Waterfall of the Gods" – Akureyri, the capital of the North (about 130 km) Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn, the volcanic formations of Dimmuborgir, the craters of Skútustaðir, the Námaskard fields burned by sulfuric acid, and the volcanic region of Krafla. Continue your journey to the Godafoss waterfall, Akureyri, the capital of the North, or to the Skagafjörður region. Optional: Mývatn ornithological museum, the hot baths at Mývatn "Jarðböðin".

• day 7

  Varmahlíð – Reykholt – Borgarnes – Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík

  Fertile agricultural regions – Glacial rivers – Folklore museum – "Whale" fjord (about 490 km) Cross the historic region of Skagafjörður, known for its horse breeding. Once you have crossed this region, two options are available to you: The first option includes a visit to the old Glaumbaer farm, a beautiful example of old Icelandic architecture. Then, you will follow the road to the wide bay of Húnaflói and cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau to reach Reykjavík in the late afternoon. The second option includes a crossing of the Kjölur track (4x4 required, the track is open from mid-June), towards the geothermal oasis of Hveravellir before reaching Reykjavík. Optional: rafting in the Skagafjörður region, horseback riding in the Skagafjörður region, seal safari from Hvammstangi.

• day 8

  Reykjavik - Paris

  Departure to Reykjavik airport and flight to Paris. (the transfer to the international airport is not included)